Ted Kennedy was also the Senate's strongest advocate for expanding educational opportunity in America.

At a moment in late life when most men would be dedicating their time to their personal affairs, Kennedy remained deeply engaged with public policy, working vigorously with his staff to unwind a corporate welfare program for lenders that siphons billions away from the federal funds available for college students in need of financial aid.

Kennedy was kind enough to provide this quote for my story just a month ago:

Our economic challenges are too serious, and higher education is too important, for us to continue to waste tens of billions of dollars administering student loan programs that could be far more efficient. We know we can do better in helping hardworking American students get the education and training they need to succeed. For four decades I have worked towards this goal in the U.S. Senate. With President Obama's leadership we can finally make this aspiration a reality.